Chapter 4: Ice and Void — The Frost Dragon's Test
The dungeon's molten light dimmed as a chill swept through the cavern.
Golden flames wavered. The air froze, creating jagged ice spikes from the walls and ceiling.
From the frozen north, Frostalis descended. Her scales shimmered like frozen crystal, wings spanning the cavern. Snowflakes burned with icy blue fire as she hovered, eyes glowing like sapphires.
> "So… the void-born has awakened," she said, voice like cracking glaciers. "You have absorbed flame and storm… but the true test has only begun."
Ryuslath floated forward, golden form radiating warmth and void energy, contrasting with the icy aura surrounding Frostalis.
> "I've been waiting for you," he said calmly. "Sister. Let's see if you can survive this test."
The Ice Dragon's Assault
Frostalis roared, and the cavern froze instantly.
Rivers of molten lava turned to glass. Pools of acid cracked into solid ice.
She launched her attack: shards of ice flying faster than the eye could see, each infused with frost magic strong enough to pierce dragon scales.
Ryuslath reacted instantly. He split into thousands of miniature slime forms, each absorbing a shard of ice.
> [Skill Acquired: Frost Resistance]
[Skill Fusion: Ice & Void Integration]
He reformed, wings spreading wide, void energy rippling across his golden form.
> "Impressive… but I've mastered all elements," Ryuslath said.
"Ice, fire, storm… now void consumes you."
With a thought, he condensed the shards Frostalis had fired and absorbed their energy into a massive void sphere.
He hurled it back, a swirling orb of ice and void energy, larger than the cavern itself.
Frostalis roared and dodged nimbly, but her eyes widened in awe.
> "You… truly are beyond comprehension. The void amplifies all skills you touch… even mine."
Alliance of the True Dragons
Ryuslath extended a golden arm toward Frostalis.
> "Sister, we are siblings. Together, we could conquer not just this dungeon, but all realms. Join me and I will grant you freedom to rule beside me."
Frostalis hesitated. The icy wind around her shifted as she observed the massive army of monsters and tamed beasts surrounding Ryuslath.
He had already absorbed countless dungeon monsters, creating a loyal legion of terrifying power.
> "You… have already become a god among monsters," she whispered.
"Very well, Ryuslath. I will lend my power… for now."
With a roar, Frostalis joined Ryuslath's side.
Her frost merged with his void and elemental energies, creating a terrifyingly beautiful aura that warped the dungeon's space.
> [Skill Acquired: Frost Dragon Authority]
[New Ability: Elemental Trinity Fire, Storm, Ice + Void Mastery]
[Dragon Legion Formation Progress: 30%]
The First True Dragon Subordinate
Ryuslath raised his voice, echoing through the dungeon:
"All monsters, beasts, and lesser dragons kneel before me! I am Ryuslath, the Fourth True Dragon! Serve me, and survive!"
From the shadows, smaller dragons and dungeon bosses approached. Their previous attacks had been futile; now they bowed to his aura of dominance.
> [Skill Acquired: Dragon Taming True Dragon Rank]
[Skill Acquired: Monster Assimilation Enhanced]
Frostalis observed with a small smile:
"He doesn't just absorb skills… he bends will itself to his command."
By the end of the day, Ryuslath had tamed not just the dungeon monsters, but the first of the lesser True Dragons a young lightning dragon he named Zerath, to serve as a general in his Dragon Legion.
[Dragon Legion Formed: Step 1 Subordinate True Dragon Recruited]
Foreshadowing: Celestial War
Far above, the gods observed, horror spreading across the heavens.
"The fourth dragon has united with the third," one whispered.
"If Frostalis joins him… the balance of existence itself is at stake."
Another god, more daring, clenched a fist:
> "We strike now. Before the void-born rises any further."
Deep within the dungeon, Ryuslath looked toward the sky, golden eyes glowing.
> "They'll come," he said with calm certainty.
"Let them try. Every god, demon, and monster… will fall before me. I am the master of all skills, the void, and destiny itself."
And so, the Dragon Legion truly began unstoppable, unmatched, and ready to devour the world.